History
History
History
On April 14, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan, representing the Spanish Empire, arrived in the
Visayan region of the Philippines. His landing marked the beginning of European
colonization in the archipelago. Magellan persuaded Rajah Humabon, the local chieftain
of Cebu, and his wife queen Juana to form an alliance with Spain. As part of this
alliance, they converted to Christianity and were baptized. Rajah Humabon took the
name Carlos in honor of King Carlos I of Spain, while Queen Juana was named after
the king’s mother. The wooden cross Magellan erected on Cebu’s shores symbolized
the establishment of Christianity in the Philippines.
The cross, now known as the Magellan’s Cross, remains a significant historical artifact.
It is housed in a small chapel or kiosk beside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in
Cebu City. The site attracts tourists and pilgrims alike, commemorating the pivotal
moment when Christianity took root in the Philippines. explorer Ferdinand Magellan,
serving the Spanish royalty, erected a wooden cross on the shores of Cebu, marking
the establishment of Christianity in the Philippines. Magellan persuaded the chieftain of
Cebu, Rajah Humabon, and his wife Queen Juana, to form an alliance with Spain,
convert to Christianity, and be baptized. Rajah Humabon was named Carlos in honor of
King Carlos I of Spain, while his principal wife Hara Amihan was named Juana, after the
king’s mother. The cross is now housed in a small chapel or kiosk beside the Basilica
Minore del Santo Niño, and it is a popular tourist attraction in Cebu.
The Battle of Mactan
On April 26, 1521, the Portuguese explorer Magellan, led an expedition to the island of
Mactan in the Philippines. Upon arriving, he and his men were met with fierce
resistance from the native inhabitants, led by Chief Lapu-Lapu. Despite being vastly
outnumbered, Magellan and his men fought bravely, but ultimately, they were no match
for the determined and well-equipped native army.
During the battle, Magellan was struck by a poisoned arrow in the leg, which left him
wounded and unable to fight effectively. As his men began to retreat, they were pursued
by the native warriors, who subjected them to a hail of arrows, spears, stones, and mud.
Magellan, despite being gravely injured, continued to fight to protect his men and
ensure their safe retreat.
Eventually, Magellan was left alone and was attacked by a native warrior wielding a
cane lance. Despite his injuries, Magellan managed to wound the attacker before being
struck down by a sword blow to the head. The natives then fell upon him, stabbing him
repeatedly with lances until he was dead.
In conclusion, of Magellan’s expedition to the Philippines ended tragically with his death
in battle against the native islanders led by Chief Lapu-Lapu. Despite being
outnumbered and facing fierce resistance, Magellan fought bravely but was ultimately
defeated. His death marked the end of his journey and the first European exploration of
the Philippines. However, his legacy as a brave and determined explorer lives on,
despite the tragic circumstances of his final battle.
The Importance and Significance
The first voyage around the world, led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in
the early 16th century, holds immense importance and significance including:
1. Global Circumnavigation – Magellan’s expedition proved that the Earth is round
and that it could be circumnavigated by sea. This groundbreaking achievement
expanded humanity’s understanding of the world’s size and shape.
2. Trade and Globalization- The voyage marked the opening chapter in global trade
and globalization. It connected distant regions, facilitating the exchange of goods,
ideas, and cultures. Spices, like cloves and nutmeg, were highly valued
commodities, and this voyage contributed to their distribution.
3. Scientific Knowledge- The journey generated valuable scientific knowledge. It
provided more information about the Earth’s circumference and contributed to
new understandings of global time. Magellan’s crew faced unimaginable
difficulties, but their efforts advanced human understanding.
In summary, Magellan’s voyage was more than just a journey around the world; it was a
pivotal moment in human history, a turning point that reshaped our understanding of the
globe and our place within it. It was a testament to human ambition, courage, and the
relentless pursuit of knowledge, pushing the boundaries of what was considered
possible.
The voyage's impact can be understood through three key points:
1. Connecting Distant Lands- Before Magellan, the world was a collection of
disconnected continents and islands. His expedition shattered this perception,
proving that the Earth was indeed round and could be circumnavigated. This
opened up new trade routes, connecting continents and cultures in ways never
before imagined. The exchange of goods, ideas, and people that followed
transformed the world, laying the foundation for a truly globalized society.
2. Expanding Geographical Knowledge- Magellan’s voyage provided a wealth of
new geographical information. His meticulous observations and detailed maps
challenged existing cartographic knowledge, revealing the true size and shape of
the Earth. This information was crucial for future explorers and navigators, paving
the way for more accurate maps and a deeper understanding of the world’s
geography.
3. Demonstrating Circumnavigation- The most significant achievement of
Magellan’s voyage was the successful circumnavigation of the globe. This feat
proved that it was possible to sail around the world, a concept that had been
debated for centuries. It challenged the prevailing belief that the Earth was flat
and opened up new possibilities for exploration and discovery
Magellan’s voyage was not without its challenges. His crew faced unimaginable
hardships, including storms, disease, and conflict with indigenous populations.
However, their perseverance and determination ultimately led to a groundbreaking
achievement that forever changed our understanding of the world. It was a voyage that
not only expanded our geographical knowledge but also our understanding of human
potential and the power of exploration. Our world by connecting distant lands,
expanding geographical knowledge, and demonstrating the possibility of
circumnavigating the globe by sea.
References
https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1070/today-in-philippine-history-april-14-1521-
magellan-erected-a-wooden-cross-on-the-shores-of-cebu
https://asiasociety.org/education/religion-philippines
https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1452/today-in-philippine-history-april-26-1521-datu-
zula-sent-to-magellan-one-of-his-sons-with-two-goats-as-present-the-battle-of-mactan
https://www.history.com/topics/exploration/ferdinand-magellan
https://origins.osu.edu/milestones/magellan-circumnavigation-earth
Learning Objectives:
Understand the importance of primary documents in learning Philippine history.
Analyze key documents to see how historical periods shaped the Philippines.
Identify cultural and political changes in the Philippines using historical sources.
Identify major historical themes in the Philippines, such as colonization and
independence.
Examine primary documents to understand how past events have impacted the
present.
Even though they are intangible, oral traditions are vital to the preservation of our
cultural legacy and the development of the customs that we still follow today. The loss of
these oral traditions would mean not only the extinction of a language but also the
irreversible loss of the expressions and traditions that make up our cultural identity. The
Laguna Copperplate Inscription, on the other hand, provides tangible evidence of a
sophisticated society with established legal and economic systems prior to Spanish
colonization. Together, these documents provide a more complete picture of the
Philippines' early history, revealing a vibrant and complex culture that thrived on the
islands of the Philippines.
Spanish Colonial Period (1565-1898) (TUAZON, ANGELO JASPER M.)
1. The Boxer Codex (Late 16th Century): The Boxer Codex is a Spanish manuscript
that gives a detailed account of the Philippines and its people during the first years of
Spanish colonization. The illustrations and descriptions of various ethnic groups,
including their clothing, customs, and social structures, provide priceless insights into
pre-colonial Philippine society. It is a valuable resource for historians seeking to
understand the archipelago's cultural diversity and social structure prior to significant
Spanish influence. The Codex also describes how the Spanish viewed indigenous
people, which helps us understand colonial perspectives.
2. Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo by José Rizal (1887 and 1891): These
novels by José Rizal are pillars of Philippine literature and nationalism. "Noli Me
Tángere" and "El Filibusterismo" exposed abuses and corruption under Spanish colonial
rule, particularly among religious leaders. Rizal inspired Filipinos to seek independence
by awakening their national consciousness through powerful narratives and characters.
The books are widely credited with sparking the Philippine Revolution against Spanish
rule, which resulted in the country's declaration of independence in 1898. Rizal's works
are still important in understanding the origins of Filipino nationalism and resistance.
3. Gomburza Martyrdom Records (1872): The Gomburza Martyrdom Records
document the trial and execution of three Filipino priests, Mariano Gomez, José Burgos,
and Jacinto Zamora, by Spanish authorities. The priests were accused of taking part in
a rebellion, but their execution was widely regarded as unfair, causing outrage among
Filipinos. The event fueled the growth of nationalist movements and inspired future
revolutionaries, such as José Rizal, who dedicated "El Filibusterismo" to Gomburza's
memory. This event is an important turning point in Filipino nationalist history,
representing the fight against Spanish oppression.
4. Malolos Constitution (1899): The Malolos Constitution is the fundamental law of the
First Philippine Republic and Asia's first democratic constitution. It established a
government with separate powers, guaranteed civil rights, and declared Filipino
independence. The Constitution was a bold declaration of independence and self-
government, issued at a time when the Philippines were transitioning from Spanish
colonial rule. Although short-lived due to the outbreak of the Philippine-American War,
the Malolos Constitution laid the groundwork for future democratic institutions in the
country and continues to be a symbol of the Filipino people's desire for freedom and
self-determination.
American Colonial Period (1898-1946) (DELA CRUZ, TRISHA MAY)
1. The Treaty of Paris (1898) was a significant agreement that marked the end of the
Spanish-American War. Signed on December 10, 1898, it contained several key
provisions:
Territorial Cession: The United States gained control of the Philippines, Guam,
and Puerto Rico from Spain. The United States also paid Spain $20 million for
the Philippines.
End of Hostilities: The treaty officially ended combat between Spain and the
United States, effectively ending the Spanish-American War.
Impact on the Philippines: The treaty ended Spanish colonial rule in the
Philippines, but it also indicated the beginning of American colonialism. This
transition was filled with conflict, as Filipino revolutionaries fighting for
independence were suddenly subjected to a new colonial power.
2. Jones Law (1916): The Jones Law, also known as the Philippine Autonomy Act,
signaled a shift toward greater self-government in the Philippines. It established the
Philippine Legislature, which had a bicameral structure with a Senate and a House of
Representatives. This law was an important step toward more freedom and self-rule
because it promised eventual independence and acknowledged the need for a
government more reflective of Filipino aspirations.
3. Tydings-McDuffie Act (1934): Building on the promise of the Jones Law, the
Tydings-McDuffie Act established a detailed plan for Philippine independence. It
established a ten-year transition period during which the Philippines would function as a
Commonwealth with greater self-government control. The act established a clear
timeline for full independence and outlined the structure of the Commonwealth
government, which was intended to prepare the country for self-government.
4. Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Philippines (1935): This constitution
established the legal and political system for the Commonwealth of the Philippines,
formalizing the transitional government established by the Tydings-McDuffie Act. It
established a more autonomous government, with a clear path to eventual
independence. The constitution established democratic governance and was an
important step toward the Philippines' full sovereignty.
2. Diary Entries and Personal Letters: Diaries and letters from people who lived
through the occupation offer personal insights into the daily lives and experiences of
Filipinos during this time. These can include accounts from both ordinary citizens and
well-known individuals.
3. Interviews and Oral History: Survivors' and veterans' personal narratives and
testimonies about the occupation period are captured in recorded interviews and oral
histories.
Notable Examples: The Comfort Women: Sexual Violence in the Japanese Military
during World War II
I-Witness: 'Ang Lihim ni Lola,' a documentary by Howie Severino (full episode)
Other references:
https://kwentongmakabayan.blogspot.com/2016/11/biyag-ni-lam-ang-english-version.html
https://tl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malakas_at_Maganda#Usapin_tungkol_sa_kasarian
https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/arts/philippine-independence-day-a-look-into-the-art-of-
kundiman
https://tl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsila
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laguna_Copperplate_Inscription
https://ich.unesco.org/en/oral-traditions-and-expressions-00053
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxer_Codex#:~:text=The%20Boxer%20Codex%20is%20a,places
%2C%20their%20inhabitants%20and%20customs.
https://sinaunangpanahon.com/exploring-the-boxer-codex-a-window-into-16th-century-cultures/
https://owlcation.com/humanities/noli-me-tangere-and-el-filibusterismo
https://www.britannica.com/event/Philippine-Revolution
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malolos_Constitution
https://www.britannica.com/event/Treaty-of-Paris-1898
https://comappt.gov.ph/about-us/
https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/july-4-1946-philippines-independence
https://youtu.be/UhLzkPIBCJY?si=wjOW5NEfDzQPpifh
https://www.npr.org/2020/11/29/939811000/philippine-survivor-recounts-her-struggle-as-
a-comfort-woman-for-wartime-japan
https://dutytocountry.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/4-JAPANESE-PROPAGANDA-IN-
THE-PHILIPPINES.pdf
https://www.britannica.com/event/Hukbalahap-Rebellion
https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/july-4-1946-philippines-independence
https://constitutionnet.org/country/philippines
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/constitution-day/
https://er.educause.edu/articles/2013/12/social-media-as-a-primary-source-a-coming-of-
age